Rupertswood and Northern Saints reserves teams sidelined

In a letter sent to club presidents and secretaries on Tuesday, the league announced the Rupertswood and Northern Saints reserves teams could not participate in any EDFL scheduled match until the conclusion of a full investigation and finding.

It was also decided no player who took part in the abandoned game would be able to participate in upcoming under-18.5 or senior games while the investigation is conducted without the approval of the league CEO.

The EDFL board held a special meeting on Monday night to discuss the incident.

“As a consequence of the league’s initial investigation, the board has determined that a more extensive investigation is required. This investigation will be conducted to ensure all parties are provided an opportunity to put forward their version of events,” the letter said.

“The EDFL have resolved that the league will engage the EDFL independent investigations officer to investigate the matter.”

Footage of the incident, obtained by this masthead, shows a large group of people appearing to be engaged in push and shove when the video starts.

The camera then pans to a second group engaged just metres away which then attracted the larger crowd.

A third group is then shown with what appears to be one person on the ground as people rush over.

Players, officials and spectators can all be seen in the footage.

Victoria Police confirmed on Saturday night they had attended the game at Salesian College.

“Police were called to reports of an affray during a football match in Sunbury on August 2. The teams were separated, and no official report was made to police. There were no injuries,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

The EDFL released a statement on Monday morning saying it was “aware and investigating” the incident.

“Although all parties were separated without any injuries or police reports, it is still extremely disappointing to see behaviour escalate to that point,” the statement said.

“As previously stated, the EDFL continues to detest anti-social behaviour and will remain steadfast in doing everything we can to stamp it out of the game we love.

“The safety of players, officials, umpires, and spectators remains paramount when attending games in the EDFL.”

Merrifield Panthers, a recently established club, took to social media following the on-field brawl and posted a critical message.

The Panthers have just one senior team which competes in one of the EDFL’s Thirds competitions along with several junior sides.

The club Facebook page shared a social media update of the incident from this masthead.

“This is so disgusting and disrespectful,” the post on Sunday morning said.

“All Merrifield players, parents and spectators have the power to lay the foundations of a great culture for our young club that doesn’t allow for this type of behaviour. How you act, speak and behave has an impact on not only how we are treated but also how we are perceived and judged.

“Merrifield Panthers has been created as a welcoming, supportive and inclusive family, and we will never allow this type of behaviour within our family.”

EARLIER

Police have been called to a second local football game in Melbourne in less than 24 hours.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed they attended the Essendon District Football League clash between Rupertswood and the Northern Saints on Saturday afternoon.

The Division 2 reserves clash, being played at Salesian College, between the two sides was called off at half-time with Northern Saints leading by 64 points.

“Police were called to reports of an affray during a football match in Sunbury on August 2. The teams were separated, and no official report was made to police. There were no injuries,” the Victoria Police spokesperson said.

It comes after two men were arrested while another attended hospital after a wild brawl broke out at a local footy game in Melbourne’s west on Friday night.

Police confirmed they were to the Western Football Netball League Thirds game between Hoppers Crossing and North Sunshine at Hogans Rd Reserve after reports “possibly up to 100 people were fighting about 9pm”.

Footage of some of the aftermath of the game has since appeared on social media which appears to show players, officials and spectators all on the field of play.

It’s understood tensions escalated after one player was shown a yellow card meaning they were sent from the ground for 15 minutes by umpires.

Victoria Police said a 19-year-old Hoppers Crossing man and an 18-year-old Werribee man were arrested for failing to obey police direction.

“Attending police were not aware of any reports of injuries on scene but have since learnt one of the players, a 33-year-old Little River man, attended hospital for treatment to injuries sustained in the affray,” a statement said.

“The man declined to make a statement. It is believed the incident started on field between players before spectators joined the melee.

“Although the incident had dissipated when police arrived, officers maintained a presence to ensure players could leave the ground without incident.

“The heightened spectator group were asked to leave the area and move on.”

Hoppers Crossing was leading 9.2 (56) to 6.8 (44) at the time of the incident.

One game remains in the season with Hoppers to take on North Footscray while the Roadrunners host Werribee Centrals.

That game could decide the final place in the top-four with the duo sides currently sitting fourth and fifth respectively.

Anyone with information or anyone who was at the game and witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Rupertswood and Northern Saints reserves teams sidelined